The Iliad

Whatever one thinks of Mitchell's new--and controversial--translation of Homer's epic poem of love and war, it begs to be read aloud. Listeners may choose not to wade through the lengthy introduction, read by Mitchell himself, which contains lots of helpful background information about ancient Greek society but unnecessary recitation of long swaths of the poetry. Those who do will be rewarded by Alfred Molina's rich tones and robust narrative style when the original poetry begins in Book One with "The rage of Achilles--sing it now, goddess, sing through me." Impeccable pacing and subtle inflections, along with plenty of vocal punch for the battle scenes and confrontational dialogue, make the sometimes coarse vernacular feel appropriate to what Mitchell calls the "spirit of the text." Let's hope we get to hear Molina finish the story for us in THE ODYSSEY. S.G. (c) AudioFile 2011, Portland, Maine


To listen to a good translation of Homer's works artfully rendered by a skilled oral interpreter is always a delight to a spoken-word audiophile. The spirit of the original rhapsodes (literally, stitchers of tales), who were able to "sing" the stories of Achilles, Odysseus, and the battle of Troy while accompanying themselves with a lyre, is now being reborn with wonderful recorded versions. IN Audio's production of Homer's complete work is a very acceptable choice. Using Samuel Butler's nineteenth-century translation, John Lescault's narration is polished and clear, with subdued vocal characterizations. At times Lescault does sound a bit liturgical, as if he were intoning a sacred text in a cathedral instead of entertaining a relaxed company of imbibing guests in a marble palace. Still, the story is so strong that listeners can easily lose themselves in a time when gods and men fought for the beautiful Helen. P.W. (c) AudioFile 2003, Portland, Maine